Fear is the enemy of Faith. For years I was a slave to fear. It was so familiar to me that I didn’t even recognize it. It was the way I lived. Fear of people, fear of failure, fear of change, fear of flying - the list goes on and on.
But one day God in His compassion touched me and began to set me free. I say began, because I am still walking this thing out. Steadily the Lord has given me the courage and understanding to fight fear. It’s been a hard road, but I am freer than I’ve ever been!
I liked to share a little of what I’ve learned:
The scripture so clearly shows that to fear is sin. “Do not be afraid” is written as a command 65 times in the Bible. God is serious about this! He knows fear will paralyze us and keep us from fulfilling His purpose for our lives. Fear steals our joy.
Fear is the opposite of Faith. Next to pride it is our greatest enemy. Fear says God is not big enough or does not care enough. Faith says He can and wants to take care of our every need. Fear believes the devil and faith believes God.
Anxiety or worry is just another form of fear. When I find myself anxious, I find myself not trusting God. 1 Peter 5:7 says, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. In doing this, I find grace to trust Him.
We must learn how to walk in the power of Christ to fight fear as an enemy. Fear does not give up easily. The name of Jesus used in faith will win the victory. But faith is the key. We must believe earnestly that Jesus name is the Name above all Names and that everything is subject to Him.
Most importantly we must press in to Jesus. Keeping our focus on Him will literally light up our souls and cast out the darkness. Praise and Worship ushers in His presence and the enemy of fear can no longer stand.
Jesus is The Word. The Word of God is a mighty weapon. It is the power of Christ Himself. John 1:1says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Memorizing scripture or keeping it near you on note cards is like keeping Jesus near you.
Hold up your Shield of Faith and keep fighting! Your life is precious. Don’t let fear rule it!
Psalm 46:1-2 ~
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 34:4-5 ~
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 27:1-3 ~
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident
Psalm 91:4-6 ~
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
Romans 8:15 ~
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
2 Timothy 1:7 ~
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Genesis 15:1 ~
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
